Higher quantities of mature pigs on offer have "beaten the market down all over Europe" according to German industry group ISN.  

The continued downward price trend is the result of abundant supply, but lower demand at the end of summer. Weakened demand in most countries has caused problems for EU producers, ISN said on Wednesday.

Beginning in Germany, where quotations went down by a further 6 cents this week, pig prices went on to drop off by almost the same amount in most neighbouring countries this week. France and Belgium also faced 6 cent reductions, prices in the Netherlands and Austria dropped 5 cents.

Even in Spain, where prices have held relatively steady over the past few months,  producers suffered a converted 4 cents/ kg cut.

The Danish price remains the only exception in continental Europe, having remained unchanged for the fifth week in a row.